US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff visited southern Gaza on Friday, amid widespread outrage over starvation and deadly chaos near aid distribution sites.
The visit aimed to “learn the truth” about privately-run US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites. Witkoff said they received briefings from the IDF and spoke to people on the ground, noting that GHF delivers over one million meals a day.
Witkoff and Huckabee visited a GHF site in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city. The official involved with the visit requested anonymity due to media blackout.
The US delegation sought to provide President Trump with a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and help craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid. Mr. Trump’s envoy aimed to serve as his eyes and ears on the ground, reflecting his deep concern for doing what’s right.
However, aid distribution sites in Gaza have become flashpoints of desperation, with mass crowds being trampled by Israeli forces or killed by gunfire. International organizations say Gaza is on the brink of famine, with recent developments exacerbating the crisis.
The US has pledged to boost food and aid deliveries as part of an effort to save lives and end the crisis. However, aid flow into Gaza remains far lower than needed due to a security breakdown and hoarding of limited supplies.
Human Rights Watch has criticized the militarized aid distribution system, calling it “a flawed” approach that turns aid distributions into “regular bloodbaths.”
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gaza-us-envoy-steve-witkoff-ambassador-mike-huckabee-visit-ghf-aid-distribution-site